Waterfront Camping in Kingston, Ontario
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Charleston Lake Provincial Park is more useful than a generic campground listing because Ontario Parks spells out how the launch, backcountry parking, rental window, and unsupervised beach setup actually work, which makes it easier to choose between a simple family camping trip and a first interior paddle.
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Plan your visit
What to know before you go.
Backcountry closes earlier on October 13, 2026.
The park offers car camping, backcountry sites, roofed accommodation, and group camping.
Trailer parking is adjacent and launch access is included for permit holders.
Interior users can park at the backcountry lot about 2.2 km from the gatehouse or the boat-launch lot about 2.6 km from it.
The day use beach and Shady Ridge Beach are gently sloping and buoy-marked, but lifeguards are not on duty.
Canoes and kayaks rent from the Discovery Centre area from mid-June to Labour Day.
Flush toilets, showers, laundry, and barrier-free access are included in the comfort stations.
Barrier-free comfort stations, barrier-free yurts, a beach wheelchair, and accessible trail-start access are all listed.
Best For
Good To Know
The interior-trip parking instructions are unusually specific, which matters because the best lot changes depending on whether you are launching, hiking, or paddling into the backcountry.
Ontario Parks explicitly calls Charleston Lake a great introduction to backcountry camping, so it is one of the better publishable camping pages for people who want more than a basic campsite directory.
Camping Setup
- Frontcountry and roofed stays
- The park runs day use, camping, roofed accommodation, and group camping through October 18, 2026.
- Backcountry season
- Backcountry camping runs from May 8 to October 13, 2026.
- Beginner backcountry angle
- Ontario Parks positions Charleston Lake as a great introduction to backcountry camping, with 10 interior campsites reached by hike, boat, or paddle.
Launch And Paddling Logistics
- Boat launch
- One boat launch is located within the park, and trailer parking is adjacent to it.
- Interior parking choice
- If you are boating or paddling, Ontario Parks directs you to the backcountry access point lot about 2.2 km from the gatehouse or the lot beside the boat launch about 2.6 km from the gatehouse.
- Rental window
- Canoes and kayaks rent from the Discovery Centre area from 8am to 8pm from mid-June to Labour Day, with spring and fall rentals handled at the office or gatehouse.
Beaches And Services
- Beach expectation
- The day use beach and Shady Ridge Beach are gently sloping and buoy-marked, but there are no lifeguards.
- Comfort stations
- Expect flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, and barrier-free access in the comfort stations.
- Picnic and supplies
- The beaches have adjacent picnic areas, and the gatehouse park store sells firewood and ice.
Official Info
- Main park page
- Use the main Ontario Parks page to recheck operating dates and core park information. Open park page
- Phone
- (613) 659-2065
Questions People Ask
Is Charleston Lake Provincial Park good for a first backcountry trip?
Yes. Ontario Parks specifically describes it as a great introduction to backcountry camping, with interior sites reached by hike, boat, or paddle.
Do I need a permit to use Charleston Lake for day use or camping?
Yes. Day users need a daily vehicle permit, and backcountry overnights require an interior camping permit. Reservations are recommended for campsites.
Can I launch a trailered boat at Charleston Lake Provincial Park?
Yes. The park has one boat launch, and trailer parking is adjacent to it. Launch parking is included for park permit holders.
Are canoes and kayaks available to rent at Charleston Lake?
Yes. Ontario Parks rents canoes and kayaks from the Discovery Centre area from 8am to 8pm from mid-June to Labour Day, with spring and fall rentals handled through the office or gatehouse.
Are the beaches supervised at Charleston Lake Provincial Park?
No. The day use beach and Shady Ridge Beach are gently sloping and buoy-marked, but lifeguards are not on duty.
SourcesShow source links
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Official And Operator
- Ontario ParksOfficial page
- Ontario ParksOfficial page
- Ontario ParksOfficial page
Google And Maps
- CoordinatesFinder.comSupporting article